To address some of these issues, randomized, controlled
trials, in which a relevant comparison group is
included, are necessary to determine whether the combined
CBSST intervention adds benefits beyond standard
pharmacotherapy and simple supportive contact.
It will also be necessary to measure hypothesized mediators
of change (e.g., social skills, improved cognitive
functioning, reduced negative beliefs) to determine
which proposed mechanisms of improvement are in
fact contributing to better functioning. We believe that
the preliminary study presented here points to a need
for further work in this promising approach to treatment.